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Classic Japanese Motorcycles Ride to Vegas

Motorcycles never imported into the United States and one-of-a-kind Japanese bikes will be brought together in Las Vegas later this month.

Being brought together for auction, who can resist a look at the impressive line-up of motorcycles, even if a rider isn’t in the area or in the market for a collectable ride. Riding to the world’s largest vintage and antique motorcycle auction, the 26th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction is slated for Jan. 25-28, 2017, at South Point Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.

Among featured Japanese motorcycles up for auction are a trio of new-in-crate 2007 Honda CR250s (Lots S22, S23 and S24), the 1977 Suzuki MX factory racer that Gerrit Wolsink won the United States Grand Prix at Carlsbad with that year (Lot S182), and a 1976 Yamaha OW72 (Lot F173) raced by Kenny Roberts, one of about 30 OW72 Yamaha factory racing engines built.

1977 Suzuki MX factory racer

Mecum Las Vegas 2017 will also feature what has been referred to as one of the finest collections of Japanese motorcycles in North America: the impressive 150-motorcycle assemblage from LeeRoy Mitzel including names such as Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki. Featured consignments from Mitzel’s collection include a 1958 Honda Benly JC58 (Lot F172 - seen below), a rarity as the model was never imported into the U.S. by Honda, and a 1955 Cabton RTS (Lot F174 - seen above) believed to be the only of its kind in the U.S.

Readers who are tempted by the classic motorcycles being featured can register for Mecum Las Vegas 2017 online in advance for $100, $200 at the auction, both include admission for two to each auction day. Bikers in the area who just want to check out the bikes, general admission tickets are available in advance online for $20 per person, per day, and for $30 at the door and online once the auction begins. Four-day passes are available for $60. Children younger than 12 receive complimentary admission.

Finally, if a biker can’t make it, they can watch a live stream of the entire auction which will be presented online.